It seems like I see a lot of conflicting perspectives on what is going on in Ukraine. Sometimes it feels like Russia is a joke and Ukraine is making them look like fools. Their technology is outdated, they’re running out of troops, etc. But then a post like this comes along and suggests they’re committing acts of terror and are an existential threat to Ukraine.

It doesn’t feel like both things could be true at the same time.

Is Russia succeeding or are they failing in Ukraine?

[–] [email protected] 10 points 3 days ago* (last edited 2 days ago)

So both can be true. I'm not an expert in what's going on, but here's my take.

Even with Russia's failings, they still have a manpower advantage and that's what wins wars. Ukraine's tech and ally help has helped slow the invasion, but it isn't stopping it. It helps for morale and propaganda to show Russian troops as incompetent, but even fools can kill if they fire enough. And although they are running out of expendable manpower, they still have the ability to call on more.

I hope the new lifts on weapon restrictions help Ukraine. Again not an expert, just a person who subs here and reads the news occasionally

[–] [email protected] 8 points 3 days ago

Russia (Putin) IS a joke. But Russia is a much bigger country, so they're not going to run out of troops anytime soon unfortunately. Russia talks a big game but their technology and strategies are shit. They've relied on terror tactics their whole existence because they're not a serious country. They're just a bunch of arrogant, belligerent bullies who think that antagonizing the world means they're winning.

[–] [email protected] 4 points 3 days ago

They're failing at conquering Ukraine. They're succeeding at committing war crimes.